COMPLAS 2023

Mesoscale Modeling of High-performance Fiber-reinforced Concrete Under Monotonic and Cyclic Loading

  • Daadouch, Koussay (Ruhr University Bochum)
  • Gudžulić, Vladislav (Ruhr University Bochum)
  • Meschke, Günther (Ruhr University Bochum)

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Concrete is the most widely used material in the construction industry. However, it also has a high environmental impact due to the energy-intensive cement production process. To alleviate this effect, high-performance and ultra-high-performance concrete and fiber reinforcement have been utilized to enhance durability and reduce material usage. However, better models and design techniques are necessary to leverage these advancements fully. This study explores the mechanical behavior of high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete. It presents a framework for creating numerical models of fiber-reinforced concrete at the mesoscale level based on virtual aggregate and fiber distributions or computed tomography images [1]. The fibers are modeled explicitly as elastoplastic Timoshenko beam elements, and the bond between the cement matrix and fibers is described using an elastoplastic bond-slip law. The fracture behavior is modeled discretely by zero-thickness interface elements equipped with a traction separation law. All these components are integrated into the open-source Finite Element program Kratos-Multiphysics. The capabilities of the model are demonstrated by reanalyzing experimental scenarios and comparing the results with available data [2]. This framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete at small scales, which is crucial in developing better models and design techniques for the future. References: [1] Holla V., Vu G., Timothy J. J., Diewald C., Gehlen C., Meschke G., Computational generation of virtual concrete mesostructures, Materials, Vol. 14, 2021. [2] Schäfer N., Gudžulić V., Breitenbücher R., Meschke G., Experimental and numerical investigations on high performance SFRC: Cyclic tensile loading and fatigue, Materials, Vol. 14, 2021.